Propagation tanks

Hello,

I am thinking about having a propagation tank, it will measure 4 feet long by 2 foot and around 10 inches high. Question is, if I where to use VHO lighting how many bulbs would you recommend? I don't think i need MH as this would probably too powerful, I am thinking of mainly growing soft corals rather than SPS.

Thanks

 

bump!!

 

If you absolutely have to use VHO. I think T5 Ho would be better, then I would use (4) four foot bulbs. With the tank only 10 inches high this will allow you to keep almost any type of lps and some sps.

Jim

 

Thats what I was thinking, cost wise, by that I mean that actual cost of the lights as well as the running costs, would it be better to use something else?

Thanks again

 

The 4 foot vho lamps are 110 watts per bulb, the 4 foot t5 HO lamps are 54 watts per bulb. You get more useful lighting (PAR)from the T5 HO lamps, with half the electric bill. Plus because of the more intense lighting you can hang them 10 -12 inches off of your tank which will allow you easier acess to perform maintenance and other stuff on your tank.

Jim

Ask Bruce about his T5 HO setup and how bright they are

 

Thanks Jim,

T5's it is then! Any ideas on the type of ballasts, I heard that the IceCap is good but feel it's a bit pricey. Don't know if there are any other models that are good and reasonable value.

Cheers

 

This is kinda what I pictured you using... You may have another idea You could either hang it from the overhead or use the mounting legs and put it on the tank.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merc...duct_Code=FI-XL-T4854&Category_Code=Finnex-T5


Jim